Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni could turn to youth as
he attempts to cope with an injury crisis ahead of Wednesday's friendly
clash with Norway.

The Italian has lost six of the men he initially named for the game
and has doubts over defender Sean St Ledger, midfielder Paul Green and
striker Kevin Doyle, who were due to have scans today (Monday).

Skipper Robbie Keane is out with an ankle injury, Kevin Kilbane has
withdrawn with a back problem and Richard Dunne, Paul McShane and Caleb
Folan have knee injuries.

In addition, Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has not reported with his daughter ill in hospital.

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark was named in a revised squad on Friday afternoon, but damaged a calf in the warm-up before Saturday's 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with United and has withdrawn.

As a result, Trapattoni has signalled his intention to have a look at young Everton defender Seamus Coleman, Greg Cunningham, who is currently on loan at Leicester from Manchester City, and Stoke striker Jon Walters, while he also mentioned Celtic's Darron O'Dea and Stoke's Marc Wilson in dispatches.

Up against it: Ireland manager Trapattoni

Trapattoni, who is awaiting Aiden McGeady's arrival from club duty with Spartak Moscow, said: 'We are missing many injured players, but it is important in this friendly game to look at other young players.

'The likes of Coleman, Cunningham and Walters, it is very important for them and for us.

'The players, we know, but with us, they can increase in confidence and personality.

'It will be important in the future that these players are available to us.'

St Ledger and Green will have scans on knee injuries, while Doyle will have further examinations on the broken bone in his hand.

Wednesday's game is the first since last month's Euro 2012 double-header, which saw Ireland lose at home to Russia and draw in Slovakia.

However, Trapattoni insists there will be plenty at stake.

He said: 'I have said many times in the past, there is no such thing as a friendly game for the national team.

'When players play for their country, when they have that shirt on, they have pride, they must be proud because they are playing for their country.'